The American Cancer Society (ACS) released its 2024 Cancer Facts and Figures Report on January 17, and the statistics are alarming. Below are the key takeaways.
Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the second in women under 50 years old. The previous estimate was that this would happen in 2030. This is devastating, especially when considering that colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable diseases when caught in the early stages through on-time screening. In addition, up to one-third of people diagnosed before 50 have a family history or genetic predisposition, meaning they should be getting screened before the recommended screening age of 45.
1 in 24 people will develop colon cancer in their lifetimes; 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women. It is also estimated that this year 152,810 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a lower number of diagnoses than in 2023, but that 53,010 may lose their life. This is a higher estimate of CRC deaths than in 2023.
So far we’re seeing that, although very treatable, CRC will be detected less but kill more. So why aren’t people getting screened? This is what we’re trying to solve here at the Colon Cancer Coalition. Whether it’s awareness, access to colonoscopies, or finances – we are fighting back.
Get Your Rear in Gear – Twin Cities 2023
NO ONE should lose their life to a disease that is both detectable and treatable.
But we certainly cannot forget that the groups of people who will be most affected are those who actively face discrimination based on their race, sexuality, gender, and/or age. In the report released by ACS, a special section was added about people within the LGBTQ+ community.
Chicago Survivor, San Francisco Walkers, & San Antonio Participant
“More than half of LGBTQ+ adults have experienced harassment . . . and 1 in 3 have experienced discrimination . . . This discrimination is most common among people of color and extends to healthcare settings. One in 6 LGBTQ+ adults, and 1 in 5 transgender adults specifically, avoid health care due to previous discrimination.” Page 32 of the ACS 2024 Cancer Facts and Figures Report. Also included is an important section on “Minority Stress and Intersectionality.”
By teaching self-advocacy and providing safe spaces for open discussion of colorectal cancer and its symptoms, we can hopefully end the stigma and provide the necessary tools for individuals to take control of their health.
This starts with each person having difficult conversations. No conversation should be taboo if it can save someone’s life. Stay up-to-date on the facts, know the signs and symptoms, get screened on time, encourage others to get screened, and together we can fight colorectal cancer.
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